Construction begins on long-awaited Medina Line in Texas

Southwest Gulf Railroad Company (SGRR) began construction on The Medina Line, a nine-mile project first approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) in 2008.

SGRR says The Medina Line will be a common‐carrier railroad near Dunlay, Texas; anchored by The Medina Quarry, an existing limestone quarry at the northern end of the line operated by SGRR parent Vulcan Materials Company.

"This is a testament to what's possible when we work together," said Erik Remmert, vice president of SGRR. "This project will serve as a catalyst for jobs and economic opportunity for decades to come right here in Medina County. We look forward to continuing our work with the community and being good neighbors."

Houston‐based WT Byler Co, Inc., which has performed hundreds of miles of railroad construction in Texas and Louisiana, will serve as the general contractor.

The STB granted SGRR the authority to build and operate The Medina Line in 2008. The line is being constructed along the Modified Eastern Bypass Route, determined by the STB, engineers and environmental experts to be the optimal route.

The Medina Line will interchange with Union Pacific and is located near U.S. Route 90. SGRR says it is working with UP to actively market development opportunities on or near The Medina Line.

SGRR says construction began with surveying and marking the right-of-way. The next phases will be fencing, earthwork, sitework and rail installation. Construction phases will overlap and work will progress from south to north with current plans anticipating project completion in 2019.